Method of electrolyzing salts.



No. 877,537. PATENTED JAN. 28, 1908.

J. WRITING. METHoD of ELEGTROLYZING sALTs.

APPLICATION FILED APB.. 24, 1906. BENEWI'JD JUNI'. 21, 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

WITESSES INVENYOR www@ l M22:

No. 877,537. PATBNTBD JAN.'28, 1908. J. WHITING.

METHOD 0F BLBGTROLYZING sALTs.

APPLICATION FILED APB.. 24, 1906. BENEWED JUNI'. 21, 1907.

WITH ESSES 110.877,537. PATENTED JAN. 28, 1903.

I J. WRITING.

METHOD 0F ELEGTROLY-ZING SALTSV.

APPLICATION FILED APB.. Z4, 1906. BENEWED JUNE 21, 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

s ma OQ forming part of this spec ication, in which- IINImID STATES PATENT simon..

l JASPER WRITING, oi1 NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK.

METHOD oF `ELECTRCJIYZ:Ne semis.

Specieation of Letters Patent. i

Patented Jan. 2e, i908.

Application Bled' April 24| 1906- Berlal No. 318517. Benewedil'nne 21.1907- Bei'ial No. 880.147.

To all 'whom 'it may concern:

Niagara Falls, Niagara county, New York, have invented anew and useful Method of Electrolyzing Salts, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference had`zto the accom anying drawings,

Fi re 1 is a sectional plan view showing "M lmone orm of a paratus for carrying out my invention, on t e line I-I of Fig. 2; Fi 2 is a sectional side elevation of the form o Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view showing the preferred form of my awratus; Fig. i 1s a section on the line 1V' of Fi 3; Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged sectional etail views of the decomposing chamber and oxidizing chamber, respectively of Figs. 3 and 4; Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are cross sections showing other forms of cell bottom; Figs. 12 and 13 are details of another form of bottom; Figs. 14l and 15 show 'a further form of bottom; and Fig. 16 is a detail showing a modified form of the valve arrangement.

My invention relates to the electrolyzing of salts, and to that class of electrolytic processes in which a li uid metal or alloy is used as a cathode. eretofore where such a liquid metal or alloy has been supplied to and removed from the cell, the movement has been a substantially continuous circulation into or out of the cell. In such apparatus it has been found diflicult to remove the amalgam or alloy formed by reason of the decomposition. For example, where sodium salts are decomposed in a cell having a mercury cathode, a semi-solid film of the sodium v `and 2, onel form of single cell having a deamalgam forms on the surface ofthe .mer-

-cury. The flowof'the metal from the de- .electrolyte and the iilm of amalgam, which decreases the efficiency ofthe electrolytic action. I have overcome this difliculty by dividing the movement of the mercury, or

^ other liquid metalor alloy used as a cathode,

into distinct periods. My process involves an intermittent action of the cell. During the decomposing period, the liquid metal or alloy cathode is maintained at a substantially constant level, and lat a substantially constant distance (preferably very small) from 'the anode or anodes. During this period, therefore, there is a practically 'constant flow of electric current; moreover', the

level of theli uid metal or ally'may be so arranged in re ation to the anodes as to give the best economy. After decomposition has progressed for a time the liq cathode is withdrawn, preferably as quickly as possiceases. After the liquid cathode is thus with- `ble, and the decomposing action practically i drawn, anew supply of the li uid cathode is fed in, preferablyto substantially the same level as before, this feedin in also taking lace as quickly as possib e. In the erred form of my process, the metal w 'ch is withdrawn carrying the amalgam or'p'roduct resulting from decomposition is purified in' an oxidizingchamber or region, and the purified metal or alloy is then returned to the decomposing cell or region.. By thus removing the cathode metal or alloy after the decomposing period, I can eectually withdraw substantially all the productor products result'l from decomposition which is supplied to t e cathode, and thus maintain the efficiency of the cell. v

In carrying out my process I preferably use a' stationary cell of multiple type; `though I may employ a single cell which may either have a single cham er or separate decomposing and oxidizing chambers. chamber is used, this would be a decomposing Y:55 In case a single y chamber and the material of the cathode composing chamber, and an oxidizing. chamber. In tliese figures I show the cell proper which may consist of concrete molded into the shape of two blocks, one having 'the decomposing chamber 2, and the other the oxidizmg chamber 3. The .bottom of the anode or decomposing chamber is preferably formed of glass, though slate, cement or other hard smooth electricall non-conducting material may be used. Tlie bottom preferably slopes from each side downwardly and inwardly to a central lo 'tudinal slot 4.

, This slot is preferably provi 'ed with straight parallelsides,A and embedded in the concrete4 elow it, is a slotted pipe 5 whose 'slot reg-v isters with the slot in t e cell bottom. From this pipe 5 a connecting pipe- 6 leads to a con- I nection 7 having across pipe 8 in the bottom of the oxidizing chamber. The cross pipe 8 is slotted in its'top and opens into a slot 9 extending along the side of the cell bottom and opening into the cell. The connection 7 is also preferably provided with a channel or pipe 10 projecting through the cell bottom and provided with a movable closure 11.

This pipe 10 may beused for cleaning pur-,

poses. The pipe 5 at its other end connects with a pipe 12 which extends through a'wall ofthe cell to a valve casing 13. This upwardly extending arrangementof` the `valve i casing insures'a'seal, andthe height'of this '15 casing maintains the liquidmetal'orf,'alloy at such a -height'in' 4the cell" aswill "preventv flowing out of the electrolytef )It will also' prevent any corrosive ,action of the'. electrolyte upon the pipes whichmight occur if it was allowed to make contact with them.

In this casing 1s located-a valve 14 which '1s raised and llowered by meansor` a lever 15" having looseoonnection with stem 16 'of the valve. For operatin this lever vI have shown a cam 17 adjusta ly mounted on a rotating shaft 18 whichcauses'the' lever to swing up and down on .its 'fulcrum"19. The

stem'l is guided in its vertical movements by suitable guides 20 and 21fon 'the framework. .I haveshown the anodes vas consist# -ing of'graphite blocks or bars'23 which restl upon end ledges in the cell and connect byl leading-in rods 24 with' the connections' 25 from the bus-bar 26, through which the' `cur' rent is supplied. In order to preventy evolution of gas'outside the cell, I preferably "coat or cover the rods 24, and thatpart of the anodes extending outside thebell, with an electrically non-conducting material such as paint,l glass, &c.

27 represents a supply main for the electrolyte which is fed 'to the cell through the valve branch or branches 28. i

29 is a bell for dome'whichrests upon'side` ledges of the cell andis sealed by its edges ell is preferably formed of earthenware,

though it may be made'of any desirable ma terial. The gas formed during the decomposing period may be led out in any desirable way. For this purpose I show a pipe1 30 as projecting upwardly through the cell bottom at one side of th e central slot; and when ar'- ranged in this' manner, this pipe also serves as an overflow pipe for the electrolyte'which is thereby maintained at a substantially constant level.' The gas and the electrolyte will pass out through this pipe, and may be se arated externally-to the cell in any desira le manner.

The oxidizing cell is also shown as provided with a gas-collectingl belll 31`which is referably of iron and rests upon internal edges in the cell. This cell is also preferably provided with a gas outlet and over-flow pipe projecting down withinthe electrolyte. This This pump' acts tol vsuch material intol the "oxidizing 'compact 'mentjthro'ugh pipe 38. The apparatu 32- which is substantially similar to that of the decomposing chamber. The pipe 32 is preferably of iron while the pipe 3() is preierably made of earthenware or other non-corrosive material. j

33 represents the main from which the .electrolyte is supplied to the oxidizing charning togetherfbyrifllesor seals 3'5"; Instead. 'of theiron iili'n'gsfr particles, an]A iron or metal electrodefjof or'dinary'Y-:type'geither-arfV Yshort-circuited'with the amalgam;y orf'made'a part of the; main ele'ctricalf current, may-be ,y-.'^

usedlv A v- .f Whenv the valve 1.4isfraisedlfromits*sea the mercury or liquid 'metal auyfwiu swaf flow from the"'valve cas-ing' orpip'e '13",'- and drop into the well 36 whence 'itj'lowsethrough the inclined pipe 37 toria .pump'friiot'fshownfm 195 liftv the amalgamforalllo. "I supplied to it through;fpipe"`37,andffoirce decomposing chamber, 'and'A at yaliout. '-thez: time when this amalgam 'begins-'tojenterftheivr-l oxidizing chamber. At about this-time', the 105' purified .liquid metal 'or valloyl will lowback vfrornthe oxidizing chamber through the pipef; :.1: 6 into ythe .pipe

5, and -Will risfefinj th`e'decolm-- i poslng chamber, until ith'as reached 'the/f desired level, When the desired; level'iis "110 lreached the equilibrium of levels-'is'festab lished, andthe metal willv remain-y at this'v f level through the decomposing periodsl f1 Theliow takes lace through a closed circuit" containing 'asu stantially constant quantity v115 of the li uid metal or allog, and consequently the levels will establish t e ically.4 'y' They electric current flows in from the busi bar 26 to the electrodes 23, thence through' 120 the electrolyte vto the liquid-metal cathode, from `which it passes throughfthe liquid metal column in the pipes 5 and 6, and through these pipes to the iron plate 60 'forming the bottom of the oxidizing chamy125 ber, and which projects through .the wall of this chamber. The current is then taken oil' from this liron plate, throughthe negative vlead 22 fastened to it.

In carrying out my processi-with this ap 130 mselv'es automaty paratus, the valve 14 is closed and a quantity of mercury sufficient to entirely cover formed, as caustic soda, or other substances,

such as salts of ammonia, organic substances, etc., is fed into theoxidizing chamber. The

. levels of the two solutions are adjusted by passes to the negative lects in the bell fromgwhich it means of thev overflow pi es 30 and 32, so that the edges of both bel are immersed in the electrol. tes, and the mercury covers the bottom of oth chambers. By varying the depth of the electrolytes,za close adjustment may be made upon the levels of the mercury in the chambers. The current is then turned on, and flows. through-the cells as above described. The current acts to break up the electrolyte into its component ions, such as sodium and chlorin ifsodium chlorid is usedl as the electrolyte. The sodium pole and amalgamates with the mercury whi e the chlorin escapes as a gas between tle carbon anodes and colasses out through the ipe 30. .Both the e ectrolytes are preferab y fed into the chambers continuously and any `excess flows out through the pipes 30 and 32. After thec'urrent has continued itsaction for a predetermined period depending upon the amount of sodium l desired in the amalgam, the cam 17 acts upon the valve v14 to quickly open it. The mercury contained inthe decomposing cell will flow out rapidly through the pipe 12 by-reason of the great head and its high s ecific gravity, dropping into the well and owing through pipeI 37 to the pump whichraises it into the oxidizingcom artment, Where it releases itsr sodium to t e solution contained therein. The cam is preferably so arranged that as soon'asl a mechanically separated portion of the li uid metal cathode and preferably practica y all of the mercury in the decomposing chamber is discharged, thel valve 14 is closed, and mercury substantially free from sodium will flow from the oxidizing cell through pipes 6 and 5 and will rise through the slot 4 until theequilibrium is obtained.

The slope of the bottom of the decomposing chamber is preferably so slight that although the mercury flows from it under a high head, there will b e no substantial difference in head `between the two chambers until the mercury in the decomposing chamber hasall entered the slot. The 'amount of mercury in the slot is preferably small as compared to the amount of mercury lying in the cell roper when iilled, so that when the mercury begins to leave theslot, a high difference of level between the two chambers is almost from the oxidizing chamber into the decomposing chamber until 'the desired level is reached. The ilow. of purified metal from the oxidizing chamber, preferably begins slightlyv before or at about the time whenl the amalgam in the decomposing chamber has entered the slot, but before it has all left the slot. The purified metal therefore acts to force out the amalgam remaining in the slot fand pipe, and when forced out the valve closes, and theI purified metal immediately rises rapidlyl in the decomposing chamber until equilibrium is established. The object of this peculiar arrangement of feeding connections is two-fold; first, making i the periods of feeding-in and feeding-out the cathode -for the decomposing compartment short as compared to the Atotal period of the cycle; and second, vto avoid complication of valve systems or means for raising or lowering one'or both of the chambers. By this w system, I avoid the use of special controlling devices for the inlet or feed-in channel of the decomposing chamber, while at the same time obtaining the quick inlet and outlet.

This arrangement also adds to the safety of the apparatus which is not dependent upon the correct controllin system for the inlet which is liable to get out of order. The movement of `the mercury in ,the decomposing chamberl also tends to' agitate the electrolyte therein at a pointin the cycle when the lelectrolyte is not appreci- .ably .in contact with the amalgam. This tends to displace any gas bubbles vwhich may adhere to t e anodes. and at the same time maintains the electrolyte between the electhus linsuring a minimum of electrical resist- 'ance inthe cell and a long life to the anodes."

-cell system, `as this 1s more compact and economical. Thus, in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 I action of a valve .trodes in a state of uniform concentration, .106

show a multiple systemv wherein the decomposing chamber 2 is enlarged to contain a vcommon body of electrolyte, while the bottom is provided with dams or baffles 39 which extend transversely and divide the bottom into separate chambersor compartments for the liquid metal or alloy cathode.

Each of the bottom compartments thus formed is preferably arranged in the same way as the single cell system .above described, land similar parts are designated by similar numerals with the prime mark applied. In each of Ithese bottom compartments, a slot and pipes 5 and 6 are `used asin the single form. In this case, however, I have shown both chambers as formed of the same general body of concrete; ahd the pipe 6 extends through the dividing concrete partition beand the l tween the two chambers. In this case, the

avoid the introduction of the electrolytes into separate chambers while at the same' time, I provide in effect separate'chambers for the liquid lmetal orv alloy. I enabled to `remove from or supply liquid metalor alloy to, one bottom compartment independently of the other bottom compartment, and can arrange the cams 17 to operate successively in any desired order. Byv this system I am also enabled to avoid the use of a short-circuiting device to cut out one cell from a number of cells arranged in series during the period when the current is not flowing to any substantial vdegree through the decomposing chamber. In this case the current 1s supplied continuously through the electrolyte and only varies slightly as the bottom'compartments are successively emptied or re-supplied. During refilling of an empty compartment the liquid metal or alloy may fiow to a slight degree from an adjacent decomposing compartment into the oxidizing chamber to.

maintain the e uilibrium of levels. The unit multiple ce s may t size, the bottom compartments beingvaried from'two up to any desirable number. The

cam shaft may also be utilized for controlling' .In Fig. 7

valves on leach side thereof, and for cells arranged along the two sides of the shaft.,

If such cells are arranged in series, it is necessary to prevent short circuiting through the shaft by insulating the cells from each other. Thus in Fig. 1 I have shownthe roller upon which the cam 18 operates, as having a bushing of fiber, or other electrically non-conducting material. y q.

The shape and size of the bottom or bottoms may be varied in many ways, thus Figs. 7, 8, 9, 1() and 11 show different forms of contours lolf bottoms which may -be used.` I show the bottom 40 as inclined from one side of the cell to the other side, where is connects with a slot 41. This slot may be connected at one or both ends or` at any other point with an outlet pipe or l channel, and the inclination of the bottom may am thus A `flow of ,purified be of any desirabley "bleaching powder, .chlorid or other similar form wherein the inclines 47 are rounded at their outer corners and also roundedA where they connect with the slot which in this case leads to a slotted pipe 48.

In Figs. 12 and 13, I show the bottom as formed with a longitudinal central transverse apex 49, on each side of which the bottomis provided with slopes 50 which lead to transverse slots 51, from which the metal is vled into the longitudinal slot 52. This slot may bc connected at one or more points to the outlet.

In Figs. 14 and 15, I show a circular form having a central well or depression l53 and a series of radial ridges 54, between which the cell bottom slopes tov radial slots 55 leading to a central outlet. The bottom of this case may be, of inverted conical 'or funnel form instead of provided with separate ridges. i

In Fig. 16 I show a form in which the floor of the oxidizing chamber 3*? isabove the level 'of the floor of the decomposing chamber 2a.

In this case the pipe 6a 1s provided with a valve having a stem 16 which maybe controlled in, any suitable manner, to govern the rkmetal from the oxidizing chamber to the decomposing chamber.

In any ofthe forms shown the connections to thevanode and the cathodemay be vvaried 4in any desirable manner. Thus it'l may be advisable some cases to extend the anode connection throu yh the bottom of the cell, permittingthe be to more completely cover the working areaof the chamber.4 In vthis case carbon Aleading-in rods may be used which would extend downwardly instead of upwardly and dip intomercury cups, ,electric a y connected with `metal rods secured tov the negative lead. In order to utilize the gases evolved during the operation of such a' cell, I may lead the gas or gases to any suitable apparatus. Thus if sodium chlorid is electrolyzed,the chlorin evolved in the decomposing chamber may b e used in making carbon tetrachlorid, tin compounds; or the chlorin may be united by ignition with the hydrogen given off in the oxidizing chamber at alpoint exterior to such chamber in order to form hydro-chloric acid. Thus in Fig. 4,

' I show branch pipes 56 and 56'- leading from the gas outlet pipes of the two chambers to hydrochloric acid making apparatus indicated diagrammaticallyat 57. My systenr is particularly adapted for this purpose, inasmuch as the compartments are separated by mercury seals and are covered by gas roofl liquid sealed bells. the gases to accidentally mix within thecell, which might cause explosions; and contamination with other gases or substances b leakage to the air or otherwise is also avoide The advantages of my invention will be apparentr tov those skilled inthe art.l The It is thus impossib e for 1 liquid metal or alllo smear.

disadvantages of the systems having. continuous circulation of the liquid metal or alloy are avoided and the amalgam or' alloy formed in the decomposing cell is easily and efectually removed'. The reaction between this amalgam or alloyand the electrolyte is thus materially reduced, and the efficiency and economy of" the cell thereby correspondingly increased. The reduction in economyv resulting from constant changing of the levelof the liquid metal or alloy 1s avoided, and the level may be maintained at substantially the proper point to. give high Vefciency through the decomposing period.' The advantages of a stationary cell are obtained while the disadvantages of the former stationary cells are largely avoided. All parts o'f the apparatus are easily accessible. These and other advantages result from my intermittent system wherein the steps are divided into separated eriods as distinguished from cells wherein su stantially continuous circulation of the liquid metal or alloy is provided as in the United States Patents N o. 518,185

' granted April 10, 1894 and 528322 grantedv Oct. 301894 to H. Y. Castner or where the l is stationary and a continuous withdrawa of thesubstance taken up by the liquid metal or alloy during decomposition, is provided for. I consider myself the first to provide for withdrawal and' tiple cell arrangement is of especial advan.

tage in giving a compact, easily operated system; the electrolyte is common to a number of bottom com artments and there is no limit to the size o the cell. The complication of feeding electrolyte and taking 0H gas from dierent cells is thus reduced, while atl the same time facility is given for carrying out the liquid metal or alloy from one bottom compartment independently of the others. These periods may therefore follow each other in any desirable succession, and may be of any desired length or duration.

With any form of my system, the distance between the liquid metal or alloy, and the anode or anodes in the decomposing chamber may be made very small so as to give high economy; and owing to the substantially constant level during substantially all of the decomposin period this high economy is obtained su stantially throughout this entire periodv as distinguished from a racticall continuous chan 'ng' of levels urin this period. The wit drawing of practical y the entire body of the liquid metal or alloy together with'the substance added thereto dur ing the decomposing period, insures the I proper removal ofthe substances, and greatly ecreases reactions which would lower the efficiency of the "cell. y It will be observed that by reason of the fact that the cell is='stationary, the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes are maintained in the' same *angular` relation throughout the cycle of operations. This enables the resistance of the cells tobe ke t at the minimum, while the preferable para el relation between the electrodes gives a uniform current density; whereas in cells which are-continuously or intermittently tiltedto effect the discharge of the amal am or alloy, the'sliifting of the' cathodes an the tilting of the anodes changes their relative angular relation, ,with consequent non-.uniformity of. current density, and makes it necessary to space the electrodes more widely apart, increasing the resistance.

The cell may be made with one or more chambers of any desirable'form or size. If two or more chambers are used, they may be on the Asame or'diflerent levels. rll`he connections for suppllying and withdrawing the lliquid metal or a oy may be changed, and

if valves are used, such valves may be varied in any desirable Way. Floats or other controlling devices than valves may be employed. The bottomlof either or both chamers may be varied in shape, and the point or pointsof feeding in .or taking out the liquid metall or' alloy may be varied. 'lhe electrical connections may be changed in electric current through the e ectrolyte to a mass of li uid metal, and maintaining substantially t e same mass of liquid metal as a cathode for a period of time, then, while maintaining a body of electrolyte in the decomposing chamber, withdrawing the mass of liquid metal, and re lacing it with a fresh mass of liquid metal, t e` saine angular rela-"- tion between the adjacent surfaces of the elec# trodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

2. The methodof eecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consistin in passing an' electric current through the e ectrolyte to a mass of liquid `metal beneath it, and maintaining substantiall the same mass of li uid metal as a cathode toria period of time, t en, while maintaining a body of electrolyte in the decomposing chamber, withdrawing the iso mass of liquid metal, and replacing i-t withv a fresh mass of liquid metal, vthe same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the'cyclefof operations; substantially as described. .i

3. The method of effectingl electrolytic decomposition of salts, consistln in passing an electric current through the e ectrolyte to a mass of liqliliid metal, and maintaining subst antiall t e same mass of liquid metal at a practica y constant level, as a cathode fora period of time, then while maintaining a odyof electrolyte in the decom osing chamber,lwithdrawing the mass of 'quid metal,4

' for a' period of time, then withdrawingthe mass of liquid metal from this osition, and v replacing it with a fresh mass of iquid metal,

the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

5. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consistln in passing an electric current through an e ectrolyte containingthe same to a body of liquid metal, maintaining substantially the same mass of liquid metal as a cathode through a period of. time, then withdrawing this mass of liquid metal to apoint where it is freed from the ma? terial received during said period, and returning said purified metal to the decomposing chamber, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

6. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consistin in passing an electric current through an e ectrolyte containing the'same to a body of liquld metal beneath it, maintaining said liquid metal at a practically constant level throu h a eriod of time, then withdrawing the body of quid metal, and supplying ,another body of liquid metal, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

7. -The method of effecting electrolyticdecomposition of salts, consistln in passing an electriccurrent through an e ectrolyte containing the same to a bodyof li uid metal beneath it, maintaining sald liqui metal at a practically constant level through a period `ermee? j of time, thentransferring substantially all of thealloy or amalgam thus formed to a point outside the decomposing chamber, and su plying another body of liquid metal, t e

same angular relation between the adjacent 'surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

8. The method of `effecting electrolytic decomposition of a' salt of an alkaline metal consisting in passing an electric current through an electrolyte containing the same to a body of liquid metal beneath it, maintainin said liquid metal at a racticallyconstant evel throu h a perio of time, then withdrawing the ody of liquid metal, and supplying another bod same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of 4the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

9. Themethod of effecting electrolytic des composition of salts. consistinor in passing an electric current through lan electrolyte containing the same to a body of liquid metal beneath it in a stationary decomposing chamber, maintainin said liquid metal at a practically constant evel through a period of time, then withdrawing the body of liquid Inetahand Supplying another body of liquid metal, thel same angular lrelation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodesbeing 1 maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantia ly as described.

10. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting in passing an electric current through an electrolyte -containing the same to a body vof liquid metal beneath it, maintainin said liquid metal at a practically constant evel through a eriodof time, then withdrawing the body of liquid metal, the

o liquid metal to a point -where it is freed from the material received by it ,during the decomposition period, and returning said purified metal to the decomposing chamber, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

',11.. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting in passing an electric current through an electrolyte containing the same 'to a'body of liquid metal beneath it in a decomposing chamber, maintaining said 1i uid metal at a cally constant level t rough a period o time, then withdrawing the body of li uid metal to an oxidizing zone, therein oXir izing and removing the material received during the irst eriod, and returning the purified metal to t e decomposition chamber, the same ractiangular relation betweenthe adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

i 1.2. The 'method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting inpassing an electric current through an electrolyte containing the same to a body of li uid metalA beneath'itin adecomposing chamy er, maintaining another body of liquid metal in an oxidizln chamber or region, and balancing the two odies of liquid metal in equilibrium during substantially theentire decompositionperiod',` the same angular relation between the 4adjacentsurfaces of the electrodes being maintained -throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

A13. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting in passing an electric current through an electrolyte containing the same to a body of liquid- .metal, maintaining` substantially the same mass of liquidmetal as 'a cathode through a period of time. vthen withdrawing this mass of liquid metal by gravity and supplying anv substantially as described.

15. The 4method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting in passing an electric current through an electrolyte ycontaining the same to se arated'bodies of liquid metal beneath said e ectrolyte, removing saidbodies of metal independently of each other to a common oxidizlng chamber, a

treatin them therein, and returning the purifier? metal to a decomposing chamber; substantially as described.

16. The method 'of eiiecting electrolytic .decomposition of salts of the alkali metals, consisting in passing an electric current through anelectrolyte containing the same to a body of liquid metal beneath it in a decomposing '.chamber, maintaining the same mass of liquid metal as a cathode through,- a period of time, then withdrawing this same I mass of liquid metal to an oxidizing zone,

oxidizing and removing the material received during the decomposition period, combining the gases from the decomposing and oxidizing regions, and returning the puriiied metal or alloy 'to 'the decomposing chamber, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces" of the electrodes being maintained throughout-the cycle of operations; substantiall as described.

17. The metho of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consistingin passing anelectric current through an electrolyte containing-the saine to 'a body of liquid metal i beneath it, maintaining the same mass of liquid :metal as a cathode through a period of time, simultaneously maintaining in an oxidizing chamber another mass of the liquid metal or alloy carrying the substance of decomposition at the same level and in balanced relation to the cathode metal, withdrawing the mass of liquid metal from the de'com i osing chamber, returning thepurified metal om the oxidizing chamber to `the decomposings chamber,'and restablishing the same leve substantially as described.

" 18. The method of eiiectingelectrolytic decomposition oisalts, consisting in passing an electric current through an electrolyte containing the same tol a body of liquid metal, maintainin substantially the same mass of 4liquid meta as a cathode through 'a period of time, then iiowing out the li uid metal along an inclined surface to anoutlet, and supplying another body of liquid metal, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces oi 4the electrodes' being maintained through the cycle of operations; substantially as described.

19. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting inpassing an electric current through an electrolyte containing the 'same to a body of liquid metal, maintaining substantially the same mass of liquid metal as a cathode through a period of time, then flowing out the liquid metal through, a bottom slot or slots of small area compared with the bottom area of the cell, and supplying another body of liquid metal, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodesI being maintained Athroughout the cyclel of operations; substantially as described.

20. The method of effecting electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting vin passing anY electric current through van electrolyte containing the same to a body of liquid metal, maintaining substantially the same mass of liquid metal as a cathode through a period of time, then withdrawing substantially the entire mass of liquid metal or alloy in a k eriod of time less lthan said period, and supp ying another bod ofliquid metal, the sameangular relation between the adjacent surfaces of the electrodes being maintained throughout the c cle of operations; substantially as described. A

21. The method of eecting. electrolytic decomposition of salts, consisting in passing an electric current through-an electrolyte containing the same to a body of liquid metal, maintaining substantially the same mass of liquid metal as a cathode through a period of time, withdrawing. this lmass of iquid metal, and supplying another body of'liquid metalin a period of time less than said period, the same angular relation between the adjacent surfaces ofthe electrodes being- 1;1aintainedthroughout' .the uc clei 'A of operations; substantially. asdescribe .22. The

an. electric current through-lan electrolyte containing the same. to `-separatei cathode bodies of liquid4 metalf maintaining Tsubstantially the same massof liquid-metal in each body through Ia feriod of. time, then withdrawing a cathode ody olf-liquidmetal, and sup lying another body of liquid metal indepen ently of 'f' any -substantial withf drawal -of .another 4cathode` body; substantially as'described.

23.`The -method of.- effecting electrolytic decomposition. of salts, consistingin passing through aA solution .con

an .electric current taining the same to 1i uid metal beneath it, said .metal being divi ed into sections substantiall .mechanically separated from but electrica ly connected with each other, Withdrawing the amalgam or alloy in the sections successively, and replacing it'with Apurified metal substantially as' described.

method ofefectmgv 'electrolytic' decomposition ot salts, consisting in passing- 24.1"'l`he method of-- effecting electrblytic decomposition-of salts ofthe alkali metals, 'consisting -in passing -an `electric rcurrent through an electrolyteA containing-the .same

to a body of liquid metal beneathit in ade' 'composing mass ol liquid metal as a cathode :through a g chamber, maintaining the ksame period oftime, .thenfwithdrawin athis same mass ofliq'uid metal to an oxi i'zingzone,

treating it therein with a-solution chemically or electroche'mically lactive therewith, 4 and returning the purified metal or alloy to the decom osing c lation 'etween vthe adjacent surfaces ofl the electrodes being maintained throughout the cycle of operations; substantially as described, y

lIn' testimony `whereof, I `have hereunto set my hand.

JASPER `WHITING.

Witnesses t J oHN MILLER, H. M. CoRwiN.

amber, fthe same angular .re- 

